Swimming with Dolphins in Florida: 15 Unforgettable Places

They don’t call Florida the “Sunshine State” for nothing. It is renowned for its crystal blue waters and for the many ways of entertainment that are available for everyone from couples to families that wish to go on a holiday somewhere special. One of the most amazing things that people seem to love is swimming with dolphins in Florida.

Swimming with dolphins in Florida can be done in some of the most unforgettable places that you can think of. Being close to the friendliest and most intelligent marine mammals is a feeling that can’t be described in words. Let’s check some of these places out.

1. Fury Water Adventures, Key West

You have the amazing chance of swimming with dolphins in Florida, but you can also practice different water sports here, too. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to fun activities at Fury Water Adventures. You can also watch dolphins, find out more about these fantastic marine mammals, go snorkeling, pick jet skiing, parasail or even go on a glass bottom boat to look at all the species of fish.

2. Discovery Cove, Orlando

Swimming with bottlenose dolphins strengthens your immune system and it makes you feel more relaxed and happier. You can partake in this activity at Discovery Cove, there’s plenty to do here and moreover, it’s one of the most beautiful places to go swimming with dolphins in Orlando, Florida. You can explore the grand reef, enjoy some time in the dolphin lagoon, play different water sports if you’re an outdoors person and enjoy physical activities. Also, your kids will learn about the wonderful world we live in, about the ecosystem and the different traits that different animals have.

3. Miami South Beach, Florida

Why not try out Florida Dolphin Tours? You will get the best of two worlds; swimming with dolphins in Florida but also enjoying Miami’s famous nightlife. It’s a win-win situation. You can explore the art-deco streets, you can get a tan, you can discover how wonderful and intelligent dolphins really are, and moreover, the tour also includes a shopping visit to Miami’s Bayside.

4. Dolphin Racer, South Pasadena

At Dolphin Racer, you get to engage in fun activities such as dive and swim with dolphins, go on a speedboat, spend time at the Gulf Beaches and witness how active dolphins can get once you’re on a speedboat. This tour is breathtaking and it has an alert rhythm so make sure you bring your camera with you to capture some fine moments.

5. The Florida Aquarium, Downtown Tampa

At the Florida Aquarium, you will spot many species of fish and get to swim with dolphins, too. But you should explore the aquarium for the useful information it offers, from conservation tips and tricks to research centers that can make kids and adults more aware of the ecosystem. The splash pad is reserved for kids only where they can cool off and socialize. There are many interesting exhibits on the premises, too. It’s hard to pick a favorite activity since there are so many cool things you can do here.

6. Theater of the Sea, Islamorada

You will get to see dolphin shows, swim with dolphins and other harmless sea mammals. The main attraction of Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea, apart from swimming with dolphins, is the number of exhibits on the premise. You can admire sea turtles, nurse sharks, tropical reef fish and many other stunning species of fish and sea mammals. There is also a gift shop available if you want to buy some souvenirs to remind you of this fine place.

Rules: You need to complete a child care authorization form found on the website.

7. Water Planet, Panama City

Go swimming with dolphins in Florida at one of the oldest facilities in the state. The unique experience lasts four hours. The staff has plenty of experience when it comes to dolphins and making clients happy. Water Planet focuses on dolphins so get ready to find out more about dolphin therapy, about how intelligent these sea mammals are and be prepared to swim alongside them and enjoy some fine weather while you’re at it.

9:00 AM or 1:30 PM: education about dolphin physiology and social life

9:30 AM or 2:00 PM: dolphin swim cruise

Rules: Trip fees will not be refunded due to adverse weather or absence of dolphins.

8. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Fort Walton Beach

Open since 1955, this adventure park offers you encounters with dolphins, shows with rays, dolphins and sharks and many other interesting things that will make your holiday a whole lot pleasant. There is a reptile safari reserved for kids only where they can identify, discover and learn more about reptiles.You can snorkel in the Stingrays’ bay or have breakfast with the dolphins. The fun doesn’t stop at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park; it goes on and on and on. Moreover, if you want to visit and need a place to stay, the Hilton Sandestin Resort is the best choice as it is extremely close to the Fort Walton Beach.

Pets are not allowed at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (with the exception of service dogs).

Outside food and beverages are not allowed on the premises.

9. Hawks Cay Resort, Florida Keys

You will learn the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem while getting to play and swim with bottlenose dolphins at Hawks Cay Resort. You can also go scuba diving and explore the only living coral reef system in the U.S.A. or learn how to play tennis or go to the Florida Keys with a charter to go fishing. The choice is up to you, pick your favorite!

You have up to 72 hours prior to the session date to cancel at no charge.

Bring your own towels.

Programs will not be canceled due to rain or cold.

10. Dolphins Plus, Key Largo

If you love the natural sea environment then Dolphins Plus is the place for you. You can swim with dolphins and enjoy sea lion encounters. There are many programs that you can choose from. If you are not a big fan of water or of swimming you can connect with dolphins in shallow waters. There is also a kid’s corner where you can let your kids engage in fun and useful activities that will teach them more about the sea environment.

Swimmers age 10 to 12 years must be accompanied by parents or guardians.

Pregnant women are not allowed to participate in dolphin swims (due to insurance reasons), but they can sign up for the Kissed by a Dolphin Program.

Swimmers age 13 to 17 can enter the water independently.

11. Marineland Dolphin Adventure, St. Augustine

Have you ever dreamed of being a trainer? Being a dolphin trainer is the coolest job in the world. You can see for yourself this at Marineland Dolphin Adventure. You can also swim with dolphins, touch and feed them, and even have a birthday party here.

Make sure to arrive 30 minutes prior to your program’s scheduled start time to allow time to check in.

12. Bay Point Marina, Panama City

The location is incredible, being situated just 5 minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico and it is also close to the Grand Lagoon in Panama City. You will get to swim with dolphins and engage in other cool water activities. You can explore the resort on bikes (complimentary bikes), play tennis, go to the spa and relax with the dolphins. Ain’t life sweet?

13. Miami Seaquarium

You can swim on the back of a dolphin, shake hands with it and many other fun activities. The location is awesome, too; the Miami Seaquarium being located downtown. You can pick the VIP tour if you want to take advantage of the opportunity of getting close to an exotic animal or you can scuba dive to take a look at the coral reef.

Children under 13 years of age must be supervised by parents or guardians.

Selfie sticks are prohibited.

No running (due to slippery surfaces).

Prices and operating schedule are subject to change without notice.

14. Epcot Seas Adventures at Disneyworld, Orlando

It is the perfect water activity for both teens and adults, here you will get to interact with dolphins and the group is restricted to 8 participants daily. And after all: it’s Disneyworld! There’s plenty to see and do here. You can explore the entire area in search of your favorite Disney characters and also learn more about dolphins.

15. Swimming with dolphins in Florida: Sea Blaster, Miramar Beach

Sea Blaster offers a dolphin-watching tour as well as the possibility to go swimming with the dolphins and have fun on snorkeling trips until noon. If you like cruises, pick this option because the Sea Blaster is known for its spectacular cruises. Drinks are on the house if you choose to go swimming with dolphins in Florida at the Sea Blaster.

Conclusion

Swimming with dolphins in Florida is that one life opportunity that you need to take. There are plenty of people that return each summer to swim with the dolphins because these intelligent and sociable marine mammals seem to make people feel better both physically and mentally.

Most of the tours and programs presented here are not limited to swimming with dolphins in Florida only. The neighboring areas, as well as the facilities mentioned here, provide other water sports and fun activities too so there’s plenty to choose from.